Signaling apparatus



Sept. 2, 1924. 1,507,019

B. R. GOVER SIGNALING APPARATUS Filed Sept, 29, 1923 Patented Sept. 2, 1924.

BOWEN R. GOVER, O'F DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

SIGNALING Application filed September To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, BOWEN R. GovER, citizenof the United States, residing at Detroit, in the county of Wayne and State of 5 Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Signaling Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in signaling apparatus and has particular reference to means for effectively indicating the intention of the driver of a motor vehicle to turn either to the right or to the left or to stop.

An object of the invention is to provide a motion and direction signal of the above kind which embraces the desired qualities of simplicity and durability of construction as well as efficiency in operation.

Another object is to provide an electric signal of generally improved construction.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved form of switch for use in controlling electric motion and directing signals of motor vehicles.

Other objects will appear as the nature of same consists in the novel form, combination and'arrangement ofparts hereinafter more fully described, shown in the accompanying drawing and claimed.

In the drawing, wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views:

igure 1 is a front elevational view of a signal box constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 with the cover plate members removed.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the preferred form of switch employed for controlling the signals shown in igures 1 to 3 inclusive. and applied to a steering wheel spoke, and

Figure 5 is a central longitudinal sectional view, partly in side elevation, of the switch'shown in Figure 4.

Referring more in detail to the present invention ing 5 of substantially divided into similar ments 6 and 7 by tical the drawing, embodies a lamp castriangular shape and triangular compartmeans of a central verpartition 8, The casing 5 is preferthe invention is better understood and the APPARATUS.

29, 1923. Serial No. 665,558.

ably of cast metal and open at its front, the open front thereof being closed by means of a ruby glass lens 9 held in place by means of a perforated metal cover 10. The cover 10 is provided with a plurality of superimposed pairs of slots 11 which gradually increase in length inwardly as shown so as to simulate a pointing hand at each side of the casing, the longer upper slot simulating the index finger of said hand.

An incandescent lamp 12 is disposed in each of the compartments 6 and 7 and supported suitably by sockets carried by the rear wall of the casing 5, the casing 5 being provided with a central depending lug 13, by means of which the device may be suitably secured to a support.

In Figures 4 and 5, I have shown an improved form of switch particularly adapted to control the signal above described, and this switch includes a pair of strips 14 and 15 of insulating material, adjustably held together at their ends'by means of clamping bolts 16 which also form binding posts for the wires 17 and 18 which respectively lead to the lamps 12 in the chambers 6 and 7. The adjacent faces of the strips 14 and 15 are centrally transversely grooved as at 18 for reception of the spoke 19 of the usual form of steering wheel employed upon motor vehicles whereby the switch is effectively supported in position adjacent the rim 20 of said steering wheel so as to be operated by the hand of the operator without inconvenience. The heads of the bolts 16 form contacts opposed by the contacts 21 on the ends of the elongated resilient sheet metal strip 22 which is secured by means of a screw 23 that extends through the central portion of said strip and is threaded into a raised central portion of the upper strip 15 as indicated at 24. The contacts 21 are preferably in the form of set screws passing thru the ends of the strip 22 and threaded into separate finger pieces or buttons 25 which are thus secured on the strip 22 and these buttons are provided with depending skirts 26 that extend along the ends and sides of the stri s 14 and 15 and protect the contacts an adjacent parts. The screw 23 forms a binding post for connection of the wire 27 and is adapted to lead supply such as nate one of the compartments for indicating an intention to turn to the left, the proper button is depressed for flexing the resilient strip 22 so as to engage one of the contacts 21 with the adjacent contact 16. In this manner, the circuit is completed to one of the lamps 12 whose rays are visible through the slots 11 at one side of the casing. In like manner, depression of the other finger piece or button 25 will cause the other compartment 7 to be lighted for indicating the intention of the driver to turn to the right. If desired, both buttons may be depressed simultaneously for illuminating both compartments at once, as an indication of the intention of 'the driver to stop.

A very simple, durable and eflicient form of signal is thus provided which will meet with all of the requirements for a successful commercial use.

Minor changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed.

What I claim as new is:

A'switch of the class described comprising'a pair of rigid strips of'insulating material, said strips being provided with central transverse grooves for the reception of the spoke of a steering wheel therebetween, bolts adjustably connecting the ends of said insulating strip for clamping the latter to said spoke and for connection with wires of a signal box, one of said strips having the heads of said bolts exposed at the outer side thereof and being provided with a raised portion between the heads of the bolts, a resilient strip secured against said raised portion and having screws extending thru the ends thereof opposed to the heads of the bolts, finger pieces secured upon the ends of said resilient strip by means of said screws, and depending skirts carried by the finger pieces.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

BOWEN R. GOVER. 

